Thank you notes are not just for interviews!

You know that you should send a thank you note after an interview, right? Of course! A well-crafted and customized thank you note sent to your interviewer in a timely manner can help your candidacy. But do you know that there are other ways that a thank you note can help your career? Think about this. Have you received a thank you note for something you did? How did it make you feel? An expression of gratitude is a pleasant surprise that can help the recipient feel good, and it can facilitate future interactions. Communication, especially when it comes to your professional life, is critical. Have you thought about sending a thank you note in these situations?

When you make a networking contact.
A thank you message sent to a new contact will allow you to express your gratitude, as well as become more memorable. Effective networking is based on the ability to connect, and a thank you note extends a connection you may make at a networking event, in the field, or even within your own company. Thank an individual for sharing specific information, or even just a friendly conversation. How can you express your thanks? You can pick up the phone and give them a quick call (yes, people still do that!), or send a note electronically via email or LinkedIn.

When you learn something from what an individual shared.
Networking isn’t limited to a live interaction! A lot of networking is happening online. If you gain new knowledge via an online post, blog, or article, reach out and thank the author. Explain why you appreciate the information, and how it relates to your career or interest area. Retweeting someone’s content is great. However, for a better connection, craft a personalized thank you note that you can deliver via email, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

When someone helps you grow your network.
Sharing contacts and referrals is a big deal! If someone is willing to connect you with someone else in their network, they trust that you will be professional as you follow-up. You are a reflection of you common connection in these situations, so if someone is willing to help you grow your network it’s up to you to adequately express your thanks. It doesn’t need to be long and tedious. A simple thank you, along with why you appreciate that connection, will suffice.

When done right, a thank you note can help strengthen your professional connections and build relationships. Keep them timely, sincere, and customized to the individual based on the content of your interaction. You can go old school and hand write a note, or send an electronic communication. The important thing is that you do it!